It is quite common to see solar panels on top of a home’s roof or on top of an office building. But a new type of solar option has been created. You have more than likely walked past a home with this new type of solar technology, but they are much harder to spot, they are called solar shingles. Solar shingles are made from a thin film that is installed on top of the roof and act just like regular asphalt shingles. The film captures sunlight and turns it into heat. But they also add the benefits of solar energy to reduce your energy costs and provide a clean source of energy for your home.
Solar shingles are becoming a popular choice for homeowners because they do not stick out from the roof and look like a normal part of the house. Also, they are becoming increasingly more affordable as technology improves. Solar shingles are a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment.
What are Solar shingles?
Solar shingles are made by the same material as regular solar panels with wires, and photosensitive film that is waterproof and attracts sunlight and converts that sunlight into energy for your home. GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are made with a special type of photosensitive material called Mono PERC cells that are designed to withstand extreme heat while still putting out their designed energy output.
Installation Process for Solar Shingles?
Usually, solar shingles are made to be installed during a roof replacement or during new construction. This is due to reducing the cost of the installation and the fact that there could be additional structural changes to the home as well as reducing the chance of error in installation. The benefit of installing Solar Shingles when getting a new roof is that your roof will last much longer and should not need to be replaced for many years to come.
Solar shingles are easy to install for any contractor that has had roofing experience in the past. They come in strips and are applied to the roof in a similar fashion as regular asphalt shingles. Installation crews who have years of experience and are comfortable working on a roof can install them in a breeze.
At DaBella, our manufacturer GAF, has created an amazingly easy guide for installation and have innovated the first nailable solar shingles that are made to withstand the elements. Including rain, snow, and wind speeds up to 130 mph. Once installation of the solar shingles the solar shingles are then connected to the home’s electrical system.
GAF’s Timberline Solar Shingles come in long strips and are easy and fast to install and quicker to install than a traditional solar panel or asphalt shingle roofs.
Once a permit is applied for and completed to connect the system to the electrical grid and is connected and operating as it should. Your home will now have the ability to utilize solar power for your energy needs. Solar shingles work by harvesting the sun’s energy and converting it into electrical energy that can power your home. Unlike traditional solar panels that only have one function of creating solar energy to be used for your home, solar shingles act as an energy provider but also act as an actual shingle.
It is extremely important that you have a professional installation crew that has had experience with solar shingles to do this project as it does take some skill to professionally install these shingles. A DIY’er may have trouble getting the shingles installed properly as they are not designed to be installed by just anyone. GAF Timberline Solar Shingles are made to only be installed by a GAF certified contractor.
Cost of Solar Shingles
The cost of solar shingles will be determined by the size of the roof and how many solar shingles can be installed on it in order to achieve optimal sunlight harvesting. If the roof has too much shade from trees, then the shingles may not be able to produce a high output of solar energy. Of course, the price of new solar shingles will also vary by brand. The price for new solar shingles and a new asphalt roof can range from $30,000 to $100,000 depending on multiple factors such as size of the roof, where the sun hits and how many solar shingles are needed.
Efficiency of Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are efficient in their ability to produce solar power. They are able to produce around 5.96 watts of power per square foot and they can produce this power even in low light conditions. They are also exceptionally durable and can last for over 25 years with an energy output warranty that also lasts for 25 years. Solar shingles are a terrific way to produce solar power for your home and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Contact DaBella today for More Information on Timberline Solar Shingles
GAF’s solar shingles have been tested and passed by an independent certification company has met industry standards such as the UL 7103 building integrated photovoltaics certification which tests the safety of electrical, temperature, mechanical loading, wind resistance, impact, and fire tests. The product’s output wiring system is also investigated for conformance with the provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC). GAF has also claimed the award of Best of innovation for Smart Cities CES 2022. GAF has estimated that 1 out of every 4 homes in the United States has their brand of GAF architectural asphalt shingles making them far more popular than any other material on the market. They have also completed far more solar shingle installations than any other company as well, including Tesla’s solar roof. While GAF does not provide an energy storing system with their shingles, it is possible to have the solar shingles connected to an energy storage system from another company.
If you are interested and are a homeowner located in Redding CA, San Diego CA or Sacramento CA and are wanting to learn more about the GAF Timberline Solar Shingles and to see if they are right for your home, contact DaBella today for a free estimate and see what kind of savings we can help you achieve. Contact DaBella today at 844-DaBella.
